Jeremy Lin tweets thanks to Taiwanese fans from Beijing

2012/08/09 13:57:47

New York/Taipei, Aug. 8 (CNA) Jeremy Lin, the first American-born NBA player of Taiwanese descent, who recently traveled to Beijing after a four-day visit to Taiwan, has tweeted that he relished every moment of his stay in Taiwan.

Lin tweeted his appreciation for the enthusiastic support from Taiwan, along with a photo featuring him surrounded by gifts from his Taiwanese fans, including posters made by the fans themselves.

"Unbelievable support from Taiwan ... these gifts are sweet," the Harvard economics graduate wrote on the social media website.

"Now in Beijing," Lin said, adding that he is keen to have some Peking duck during his stay.

Lin arrived in Beijing Aug. 7, keeping a low profile. According to media reports, he worked out and practiced at the Canadian International School of Beijing the following day until 4 p.m.

He then chatted with his Chinese fans on Sina Weibo, China's biggest Twitter-like microblogging platform, together with Geely Holding Group and Volvo Car Corp. Board Chairman Li Shufu.

Thousands of his Chinese fans posed questions to Lin, who answered only 11 of them.

In one reply, he said he hopes to work for churches or charities to help those in need after he retires from basketball.

He also consoled and cheered up a young fan who had just stumbled in China's highly competitive university entrance examination, saying that while it may take a long time to realize one's dream, every hurdle along the way can turn out to be an aid in the future.

Lin struck an endorsement deal with Volvo earlier this year and has shot his first commercial for Volvo cars.

Li said he believes Lin will enjoy a remarkable hoop career because the 23-year-old never gives up in the face of obstacles or hardships.

Lin made two public appearances during his Aug. 4-7 Taipei visit -- a street hoop gala and a news conference. He will return to Taiwan in late August to attend a four-day training camp for 120 young players. He will also attend an event sponsored by Volvo Sept. 1 and an evangelical event Sept. 2.

The hoopster rose to global stardom from the New York Knicks bench in February with sensational breakout performances, and signed a three-year, US$25.1 million contract with the Houston Rockets in July.